Unit of Science and Tech Ministry ropes in Pvt Co for production of Smart Protein
New Delhi: The Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Union Department of Science & Technology has signed an agreement with Bhubaneswar-based Elmentoz Research Private Limited for financial assistance towards the project titled “Development and Commercialization of Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP)- Enriched, Sustainable Precision Smart Protein for Poultry, Aquaculture feed and Pet food.”
The project aims at establishing commercial-scale production of ELGROW™ Smart Protein—an Antimicrobial Peptide (AMP)-enriched, precision-engineered functional protein developed through a proprietary insect biomanufacturing platform, an official statement said here today.
The company focuses on antibiotic-free, sustainable and precision protein solutions for poultry, aquaculture and pet food sectors.
Through its indigenous insect biomanufacturing platform, the company has developed ELGROW™ Smart Protein, designed to replace antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), improve feed conversion ratio (FCR), reduce disease incidence, and contribute to circular waste valorisation.
The technology integrates locally sourced agri-food and industrial waste streams as feedstock, thereby strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing import dependence, and aligning with circular economy principles.
In addition to ELGROW™ Protein Meal and AMP-enriched smart protein formulations, the company also produces ELGROW™ Oil containing essential fatty acids, including linoleic acid (omega-6), beneficial for poultry and aquaculture growth and reproduction.
The supported project is expected to benefit not only large poultry and aquaculture integrators but also small and medium farmers by providing cost-effective, performance-enhancing feed alternatives suited to Indian farming systems, the statement said.
The initiative addresses critical challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), feed security, and rising input costs, while simultaneously contributing to environmental sustainability.
On the agreement signing, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said the Board’s support to Elmentoz Research reflects its mandate to promote commercialization of indigenous technologies emerging from in-house R&D.
He noted that antibiotic-free precision nutrition solutions are of strategic importance for food safety, export competitiveness, and long-term sustainability of India’s livestock and aquaculture sectors.
Promoter of Elmentoz Research Private Limited highlighted that the project is designed to deliver sustainable, cost-effective and performance-driven protein solutions tailored to Indian conditions, thereby reducing reliance on imported feed additives and strengthening national feed security. (BVI)
